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UIS Theatre program does it again!

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending the UIS Theatre program’s production of Tennessee William's  “A Streetcar Named Desire” last night and it was outstanding! As is always the case in the UIS Theatre program, the choice of plays – another Pulitzer Prize winning work - set the  stage for both the actors and the audience to experience something very, very special.  

The set, musical background and technical aspects of the production were outstanding and I’m sure many students had a great experience working and learning under the direction of Professor Dathan Powell, the Technical Director and Set Designer. Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, Associate Professor of Theatre was Director of the production and he created a really wonderful performance.

We were drawn in and held from the first scene right through to the last moment. Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, also Associate Professor of Theatre, was in the starring role and her portrayal of Blanche DuBois was just amazing. 

It was a privilege to be in the audience and watch her bring Blanche to life in such a deeply believable, compelling and sympathetic way.  

I found myself imagining the poor woman waiting on dying relatives one after another as the old plantation property shrinks and crumbles around her and later feeling so desperate for any semblance of her longed-for former respectable life.

Each of our student actors – Stella, Eunice and others - also did a great job – a strong indication that we already have in place the foundations of talent needed for the new Theatre major that the department has proposed. Thank you UIS Theatre program for providing me and all the members of the audience with a truly exceptional evening of theatre. You all deserve a standing ovation!  

If you haven’t seen the UIS Theatre production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” you can still catch a performance tonight or Saturday night in the Studio Theatre on the UIS campus.

Painting the Colonnade blue?

In an effort to boost school spirit, I’ve made the decision to make a color change to one of our landmarks on campus. Today with the help of others, I pitched in to help paint the colonnade blue! I hope you enjoy the new look as much as I do.

Then again, what day is today? April 1st?

Cheese fries and conversation!

You might wonder what french fries drizzled with cheese have to do with a meaningful conversation. Surprisingly - a great deal. Each semester, the UIS Student Government Association and I partner to host a late-night forum for students – an opportunity for students to engage in conversation with the Chancellor on any topics they choose. Last night was the eighth such event in this series of “ch” inspired food themes. We’ve had Chocolate with the Chancellor, Chili with the Chancellor, Cheesecake with the Chancellor, Chicken with the Chancellor to name a few. Last night it was Cheese Fries with the Chancellor.   

We had a great turn-out and I’m always delighted with student participation in this event. The topics vary each time, but we all have at least one conviction in common: we want to make UIS a better place to learn, explore, and grow. I applaud UIS students for taking time out of their busy schedules and sharing their thoughts and hopes for our campus community.

…and by the way the cheese fries (along with some UIS M & M’s) weren’t bad either!

Star Power - Alumni in Government Breakfast

It was an early Wednesday morning for me, but I have to say that I look forward to this event every year. We had our annual alumni in government breakfast and I’m happy to report that UIS spirit is alive and well and it was on full display at this gathering.

Each conversation I had with an alum seemed to have a recurring theme  --  I heard over and over again how their UIS degree helped prepare them for the job they are doing and has propelled their career. As Chancellor, nothing could make me prouder than to hear how valued their UIS degree is to them. 

I look forward to seeing these bright and dedicated alumni around the capital city in the coming months. 

Everyone knows Danny Lau!

Each January we have a very special celebration on campus to recognize UIS employees who have been named Employee of the Month throughout the previous year and to announce the UIS Employee of the year. This celebration is one of my favorite campus events because it provides an opportunity to demonstrate appreciation for the many faculty and staff who provide such a supportive environment for students every day.

The 2014 Employee of the Year is Danny Lau - who has been employed in the food service emporium for the past 10 years (after cooking in a Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong for decades). Danny is a legend on our campus. In addition to serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, he is known for dispensing friendly smiles and words of wisdom to students on a daily basis. His fried rice is so revered that staff, faculty and students often start lining up at 10:30 in the morning whenever it is on the lunch menu. Congratulations, Danny, on being named UIS 2014 Employee of the Year! 

The short video of the recognition ceremony is a good capture of Danny (and others) and if you haven’t seen the feature video on Danny from a few years ago, it is a good watch too!

Another historical moment at UIS

The Springfield campus of the University of Illinois was once again center stage for one of the biggest events that takes place in our great state, the inauguration of the Illinois House of Representatives. This is the 5^th time, our campus and Sangamon Auditorium has hosted the inauguration. This is not only a great opportunity to showcase the university to a large group of constituents, but it is also a time to greet many legislators and visitors. The day definitely had a UIS flavor as many of our staff volunteered and many alums participated in the day’s celebration.